Hawai'i Family Touchstones, 1999. INSTITUTION Hawaii Univ., Manoa

DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 439 824 PS 028 440

TITLE Hawai'i Family Touchstones, 1999. INSTITUTION Hawaii Univ., Manoa. Center on the Family. SPONS AGENCY Hawaii Kids Count, Honolulu. PUB DATE 1999-00-00 NOTE 40p.; For the 1999 Hawai'i Kids Count Databook, see PS 028 439. Support also provided by Market Trends Pacific, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii at Monoa, The Honolulu Advertiser/Gannett Foundation, and AT&T Hawaii. AVAILABLE FROM Center on the Family, College of TropicalAgriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2515 Campus Road, Miller Hall 103, Honolulu, HI 96822. Tel: 808-956-4132; Fax: 808-956-4147; e-mail: to [email protected]; Web site: http://www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/family. PUB TYPE Numerical/Quantitative Data (110)-- Reports - Descriptive (141) EDRS PRICE MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Academic Aspiration; Attendance; *Children; Chronic Illness; Cultural Influences; Demography; Drinking; Educational Attainment; Elementary Secondary Education; Extended Family; Family Attitudes; Family Environment; *Family Health; *Family Life; *Family (Sociological Unit); Family Violence; Health Insurance; Housing; Neighborhoods; Physical Activity Level; Poverty; Reading Achievement; Religious Factors; Safety; Smoking; Social Indicators; Social Support Groups; Tables (Data); Tax Allocation; *Trend Analysis; Volunteers; Voting; *Well Being IDENTIFIERS Family Activities; *Hawaii; Indicators

ABSTRACT This report examines trends in the well-being of Hawaii's families during the 1990s. Section 1 provides an overview of several demographic characteristics of Hawaii's families, including mean age atfirst marriage, percent of marriages involving spouses of different ethnicity, percent of families with more than twogenerations in household, divorce rate, family morale, and family aspirationsfor children. Sections 2 through 6 present trends in the following areas of well-being:(1) financial security, including percent of workforce working more than 40 hours, poverty rate, and housing affordability index;(2) health and safety, including adults participating in regular physical activity, adults with health insurance, children without adult supervision following school, adultchronic health conditions, and adults' substance use;(3) education and achievement, including school attendance, percent of youth with average or above reading scores, educational level, and schoolvolunteers;(4) social conditions and community engagement, including perceptions of neighborhood safety, voting rates, tax allocation, adult attendance atreligious services, and volunteerism; and (5) family relationships, including percent of families eating together most of the time, contact with extended family, family engagement in cultural practices, and familyviolence. For each characteristic presented, the relevant indicator is defined, the trend from 1990 to the late 1990s is described and presentedgraphically, and relevant

Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. county comparisons are made. The reportconcludes with information on data sources and technical notes. (KB)

Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 1111 This document has been reproduced as eceived from the person or organization originating it. O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality.

Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent HAWAII official OERI position or policy. o FAMILY TOUCHSTONES

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BEST COPY AVAILABLE PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY

Center on the Family c\(\arc K,

1999 TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 2 1 HAWAII FAMILY TOUCHSTONES

CENTEPx ON T1-IE IF .kM`LLY 1999 College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources University of Hawai'i at Manoa Honolulu, Hawai'i

2515 Campus Road, Miller Hall 103, Honolulu, HI 96822 Phone: (808) 956-4132, Fax: (808) 956-4147 Email: [email protected] Web site: www2.ctahr.hawaii.edugamily A ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This publication would not have been possible without the support and assistance from the following individuals and organizations:

Advisory Council Sharon Agnew Dennis Arakaki Laura Armstrong J. Kuhio Asam Stephanie Aveiro John Bryant, Jr. Linda Buck Donna Faith Eldredge Loretta Fuddy Dennis Fujii Roland Gella Louise Ing Arlene Iwano Salvatore Lanzilotti Suzanne Chun Oakland Winston Sakurai Iva lee Sinclair Robert Springer Kate Stanley Myron Thompson Murray Towell Lily K. Yao

Data Team Bank of Hawaii: Paul Brewbaker Department of Education: Tom Gans Department of Health: Lawrence Miike, Verna Leilani Kong, and Brian Horiuchi Department of Human Services: Susan Chandler, Linda Chun, and Keith Nagai Department of Labor: Lorraine H. Akiba and Reynaldo Domingo Prudential Locations: Michael Slarz Office of Elections: Dwayne D. Yoshina Office of State Volunteer Services: Mary Y. Matayoshi

Photography Photographs are the copyrighted images of: Tami Dawson, Photo Resource Hawaii, Inc.; Canon U.S.A., Inc.; David Au; Dennis Oda; National Council on the Aging, Inc.; Mike Thompson.

Sponsors Market Trends Pacific Inc., Hawaii Kids Count, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, The Honolulu Advertiser/Gannett Foundation, AT&T HAWAII ONO kids GANNETTFOUNDATICN C/T/A/H/R count rocpcsIptuu...... cuto HAWAII tramaromate suare,

2 Hawai'i Family Touchstones 4 INTRODUCTION

Throughout history and across cultures, people have recognized the significance of the family. Indeed, despite overwhelming changes in contemporary life, the family remains the foundation upon which we nurture children, foster the well-being of individuals, and build strong communities. As Jane Howard observed: "Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." Despite the importance of families, we know surprisingly little about them. Based on selected, relevant, and measurable indicators that could be tracked over time, the Center on the Family developed Family Touchstones to provide an overview of Hawai'i's families. It is this information that allows us to monitor the status of families in our state. Our work is the outgrowth of the 1992 Governor's Family Policy Academy whose knowledgeable members enlisted wide community support for the vision and framework of the present report. We gratefully acknowledge the many individuals and agencies who contributed to the development of Family Touchstones and made this inaugural publication a reality. We are especially appreciative of the support from our sponsors who share our desire to improve the conditions in Hawai'i for all of her families.

Sylvia Yuen, Director Center on the Family

Photo © Canon USA Hawai'i Family Touchstones 3 A SNAPSHOT OF HAWAI'I'S FAMILIES

All of Hawai'i's families shall have the opportunity to fulfill their lifelong aspirations, provide fully for their members, and contribute to the betterment of their community in a caring, secure, healthy, and prosperous environment.

Vision Statement

Many of Hawai'i's families show great promise in attaining our vision: 73% of families regularly share "quality time" doing fun things together 74% of families eat dinner together 57 times a week 75% of children are in contact with extended family members, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, at least once a week 66% of adults feel safe in their neighborhood 83% of people feel they can rely on others in their community for help 59% of people volunteer time to church, charity, or community groups 94% of adults are covered by health insurance 93% of school kids are in class on any given day 77% of families rate themselves today on the top half of the "ladder-of-life" (ratings of 6 to 10 where 10 is the highest score) and 87% are optimistic that they will be higher on the ladder 5 years from now

Other families have problems that require immediate attention: 52% of all divorces are to couples with children 38% of families formed with a first child consist of unmarried parents, and 8% consist of unmarried parents where the mothers are under 20 and do not have a high school diploma 2% of all children under school age are reported as victims of abuse and/or neglect, while half of the reports are legally confirmed (note: studies indicate less than half of instances of abuse are reported) 17% of adults are binge drinkers, while many others abuse other substances 30% of families identify financial issues as their greatest challenge 14% of people live in poverty 31% of students score below average on the reading portion of the Stanford Achievement Test, and the percentage of students scoring average or above has declined significantly since 1990 16% of adults over age 25 do not have a high school diploma 50% of eligible voters do not vote in gubernatorial elections, thus do not participate in the community political process 6 4 Hawai'i Family Touchstones MIN111111WIT7' TABLE OF CONTENTS

Portrait of Hawari's Family Overview 7 Mean age at first marriage 8 Percent of marriages involving bride and groom of different ethnicity 8 Percent of families with more than two generations in household 9 Average number of people in household 9

Rate of divorce and annulments per 1,000 residents10

Percent of births with three risk factors11

Greatest challenges facing families in Hawai'i11

Self ratings by families12

Goals, wishes, and dreams for children12

Financial Security Overview 13

Percent of workforce working more than 40 hours14

Percent of families and people living below the federal poverty level15 Housing affordability index16

Health and Safety Overview 17

Percent of adult population participating in regular physical activity18 Percent of adults with health insurance coverage 18

Percent of children without adult supervision following school19

Percent of adults reporting chronic health conditions19 Substance use among adults 20

Education and Achievement Overview 21 Average daily school attendance 22 Percent of youth whose reading scores are average or above on the SAT 22 Educational level23 Rate of regular school volunteers per 100 students 24

Social Conditions and Community Engagement Overview 25 Percent of adults who feel they can rely on anotherperson in their community for help 26 Percent of adults who feel safe in their neighborhood 26 fr.t

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Hawai'i Family Touchstones Photo O Tami Dawson/Photo Resource Hawaii 5 Percent of eligible voters who voted in gubernatorial elections 27 Funding priorities27 Percent of adults who regularly attend religious services28 Percent of adults who volunteer their time to church, charity, or community groups 28

Family Relationships Overview 29 Percent of families eating together every day or most of the time 30 Number of times per week children are in contact with extended family 30 Percent of families regularly spending time together doing fun things 31 Percent of families regularly engaged in cultural practices31 Family violence 32

Data Sources and Technical Notes 33

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6 Hawai'i Family Touchstones Photo 0 Dennis Oda PORTRAIT OF HAWAII'S FAMILIES

Families come in many constellations, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and issues. Despite these differences, each family bears primary responsibility for providing what its members need to develop in healthy ways. The "family" is also the product of social forces within society. Families are challenged by new technologies, the organization of work, economic booms and depressions, and political events. These factors affect the shape and resources of families into the future. Without healthy families to perpetu- ate our traditions and values, our state will increasingly experience social ills that diminish the quality of life, the vitality of our communities, and our ability to raise responsible children capable of grappling with tomorrow's challenges. What does the portrait of Hawai'i's families look like today compared with the 1950s or the beginning of this century? Household size has declined about 20% since 1900. Today, the average number of people in a Hawai'i home is three. There has been an increase in marriages between members of different ethnic groups, from 11.5% in 1912 to over 25% during the second half of the century. The number of dissolvedmar- riages has increased dramatically since 1900 when the divorce rate was 0.3 per 1,000res- idents. By 1950 the state had seen a sevenfold increase in divorces, and today the divorce rate is 12 times greater. The number of married women and mothers in the workforce has also increased in the last 50 years. Although the portrait of the typical Hawai'i family may be changing,we still consider a happy family life and strong familycommunity ties to beamong life's most important gifts. More than any other life goal, Hawai'i's parents want their childrento have happy and rewarding marriages and families. Complementing this wishare parents' strong desires that their children give back to the community and work tocorrect social inequities. Hawai'i's citizens value both theirown and others' families.

Barbara DeBaryshe Associate Specialist Center on the Family

Marcia Hartsock Hawaii Kids Count Project Coordinator Center on the Family

Ivette Rodriguez Stern Family Touchstones Project Coordinator Center on the Family

Hawai'i Family Touchstones Photo © Tami Dawson/Photo Resource Hawaii 7 Mean age at first marriage

The indicatorDelaying family forma- marriage, especially for women. A greater tion past the teenage years, when greater acceptance of premarital cohabitation (as maturity and an adequate education have evidenced by a sevenfold increase in been achieved, increases the chances for a unmarried-couple households since 1970) healthy family life and financial stability. may also be contributing to this delay. Men and women are marrying later than Average family size has been affected ever before. Educational attainment may because early marriage, associated with State Data be a possible explanation for the delay in having more children, is less common. 30 28 ComparisonThe average age at which 25AFT1.-1EM_ Hawai'i residents marry has shown little c 20 1990 1995 1997 change between 1990 and 1997 for both men and women. In 1990 the national M W M W M W c 15 County mean age at first marriage was very simi- dii Oahu 26 25 27 252726 2 10 lar to Hawai'i's average, with men getting Hawaii28 25 29 262926 married at the average age of 26.9 and women at 25 years. 5 c Kauai 27 24 28 252926 0I Maui 28 25 29 262826 1990 1995 1997

Men Women

Percent of marriages involving bride and groom of different ethnicity

The indicatorAs might be expected in and values are important to people, and such a multicultural society, there is a high individuals from different heritages who rate of interethnic marriages in Hawai'i. A marry face different marital adjustments majority of Hawai'i's residents are immi- from those with more similar back- grants or descendants of immigrants. The grounds. They can lead either to a blend labor migration of the later decades of the of cultural beliefs or to conflicting values. 19th century brought people from East Asia and Europe, while in the early ComparisonThe percent of marriages decades of the 20th century people were involving bride and groom of different recruited more often from Southeast Asia ethnicity changed very little between 1990 and North America. Cultural traditions and 1997. Hawai'i County has consistent- State Data ly shown the highest percentage of 50 interethnic marriages during the period of 40 study. While national data are not avail- County 1990 1995 1997 able regarding interethnic marriages, only Ee 30 2.3% of those wed in the United States in 2 O'ahu 47.0 47.1 46.7 ct 20 1997 were interracial couples. Over a Hawaii 50.3 53.7 50.7 quarter of the marriages in Hawai'i were 10 Kauali 49.3 55.8 40.7 interracial as well as interethnic. 0 Maui 43.5 42.3 43.8 1990 1995 1997

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8 Hawai'i Family Touchstones Percent of families with more than two generations in households

The indicatorThe percentage of fami- ComparisonThere was a 33% increase lies with more than two generations in in families with more than two genera- one household is influenced by cultural tions living in Hawai'i households from values and personal decisions, economic 1990 to 1997. This may be a result of the cycles, and the increasing life expectancy downturn in the state's economy. While of many senior citizens. In Hawai'i, the the counties were very similar on this concept of 'ohana or family often includes indicator in 1990, O'ahu exhibited the extended family and non-related people. greatest increase and had the highest per- Living in a multiple generational house- centage by 1997. hold may encourage shared responsibili- State Data 10 ties and provide enriching opportunities for children to interact with grandparents and other extended family members. It County 1990 1995 1997 may also operate in the other direction to Oahu 5.7 N/A increase tensions and feelings of lack of 8.4 privacy. Those in the middle, the "sand- Hawaii 4.7 N/A 6.4 wich generation," may be especially Kauai 5.8 N/A 6.8 stressed when care must be given to the Maui 5.6 N/A 6.7 young and the elderly.

Average number of people in household

The indicatorHouseholds come in all average, perhaps due to multigenera- shapes and sizes ranging from single indi- tional households (see indicator above on viduals to roommates, cohabiting couples, percent of families with more than two and nuclear and extended families. Whom generations in household). Nationally, the one lives with is influenced by many fac- average number of people per household tors. There are many social and economic was 2.6 in 1997. benefits of living with extended family members or friends. Overcrowded situa- State Data tions, however, can have harmful effects on 5 family life if a healthy sense of personal County 1990 1995 1997 space and privacy is compromised. 4 O'ahu 3.2 N/A 3.1 3 ComparisonThe average household Hawaii 2.8 N/A 2.8 size has remained relatively unchanged Kauaii 3.1 N/A 3.1 since 1990 at the county, state, and nation- Maui 3.1 N/A 3.1 al levels. Hawai'i's average household 1990 1997 size is slightly larger than the national

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Hawai'i Family Touchstones 9 Rate of divorce and annulments per 1,000 residents

The indicator Marital disruption can well-being following a divorce. This take an emotional toll on family members, occurs because women (most often the especially on children. Most children of custodial parents) typically earn less than divorced parents do well in the long run. men, the existing family income is spread However, there is evidence to suggest that over two households, and only one-third children from divorced families are some- of child support orders are fulfilled. what more likely to use alcohol and Marital disruption can move women and drugs, obtain less education, and experi- children from low-income families to ence marital disruption themselves. below the poverty line. It is important to Divorces that involve a decline in parent- note, however, that divorce can also child relations and multiple divorces on reflect healthy life choices, especially in the part of parents can increase the nega- emotionally and physically abusive situa- tive impact on children. Women and chil- tions that cannot be resolved. State Data dren usually suffer a decline in financial 10 Comparison The divorce rate in Hawai'i dropped by 12.2% between 1990 and 1997. Except for the county of Maui, County 1990 1995 1997 which had a slight increase during this Oahu 4.1 4.2 3.6 period, all counties showed a decrease. National data were available only for 1996, 3.8 3.5 Hawaii 3.3 when the divorce rate was 4.3 per 1,000 res- Kauai 4.0 3.9 3.5 idents. The divorce rate in Hawai'i that Maui 3.9 4.4 4.0 year was slightly lower at 3.6. 1990 1995 1997

10 Hawai'i Family Touchstones Photo (0 Tami Dawson/Photo Resource Hawaii Percent of births with all three of the following risk factors: first births to unmarried parents; first births to women under 20 years of age; first births to women without a high school diploma

The indicator Families that are ages, lower college aspirations and, as formed by first births to single parents, to adults, have higher rates of divorce. young mothers, or to mothers with limited education often face long-term diffi- ComparisonAt the state level, the per- culties. The risk for poor outcomes is cent of births affected by all three risk fac- greatest when families are formed under tors remained steady at 8% during the all three circumstances. In those situa- three time intervals examined. Hawai'i tions, families are vulnerable to experi- County showed the greatest increase encing continued poverty and depen- between 1990 and 1997 and had the high- dence on public assistance. Single-parent est percentage of births affected by the households typically have limited finan- three risk factors in 1997. Nationally, the cial resources. Only one-third of mother- percent of births affected by all three risk headed families receive child support. factors was 11% in 1990. State Data When parenthood occurs before high 10 school completion, the young parent is less likely to finish school, limiting job 8 prospects and the ability to adequately County 1990 1995 1997 support a family. Teen mothers spend Oahu 8 7 7 more of their young adult years as single 0 Hawai'i 10 17 o. parents than do women who delay child- 15 bearing. Children in single-parent homes Kauai 9 10 10 typically have lower grade point aver- Maui 10 8 10 1990 1995 1997

Greatest challenges facing familiesin Hawaii

The indicatorFamilies face a variety family life such as not enough time with of challenges every day. Some of these the family, keeping the family together, challenges present opportunities for fami- and family communication were identi- ly members to grow stronger and come fied by another 24% of adults as the together as they work through the hard- greatest challenges facing families. ships. Many of these challenges, however, can impede family well-being if families are not adequately supported or equipped State Data to overcome adversity. Identifying the What is the Financial strain greatest challenges facing Hawai'i's fami- greatest lies may help us better support families challenge Family life and promote their well-being. facing your Child-related family today? ComparisonIn these tough economic Safety & society times, it is not surprising that 30% of adults surveyed identified financial issues Economy such as family finances, the high cost of Nothing living, money for education, and job security as the greatest challenges facing their Other families. Issues related to the quality of 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Percent

13 BEST COPY iVAILABP Hawaii Family Touchstones 11 Self ratings by families State Data On which rung of The indicatorWhere do families see Rung 10 the ladder is your themselves on the "ladder of life" where family today? Rung 9 10, the top rung, indicates the best possi- Rung 8 ble life and one, the lowest rung, indicates the worst possible life? This indica- Rung 7 tor addresses a family's morale, the state Rung 6 of its spirit, satisfaction, and confidence. Unlike other measures of family well- Rung 5 being, the present data come from a direct Rung 4 question to families for a self-assessment.

Rung 3 ComparisonMore of Hawai'i's fami- Rung 2 lies place themselves on the top half of the ladder of life (77% on rungs 6-10) than Rung 1 on the bottom half (20% on rungs 1-5). 5 10 15 20 25 30 Eleven percent rated themselves as having the best possible life (rung 10), while On which rung of Rung 9 1% thought they were experiencing the the ladder do you worst possible life (rung 1). The respon- think your family Rung 8 dents had an optimistic outlook in the future for their families. The mean score was...is...will be... Rung 7 for their families five years ago was 6.03, Rung 6 for the present, 7.08, and for five years from now, 8.47. These ratings indicate Rung 5 that they believe their family life has Rung 4 improved and will get even better with the passage of time. Rung 3

Rung 2

Rung 1 5 years Today 5 years ago from now

Goals, wishes, and dreams for children

The indicatorFew things are more cess and well-being. Understanding what important to parents than the goals and parents want for their children can help dreams they hold for their children. In grandparents, aunts and uncles, neigh- communicating these goals, parents influ- bors, teachers, policymakers, and others to ence children's personal values and expec- better support parents and their children. tations for adult life. The support of others outside the family can be invaluable in Comparison Among parents surveyed, helping parents ensure their children's suc-the greatest number (88%) indicated that their children having a good marriage and family life is extremely important. Having their children 88% How important Good marriage/family achieve success at work was rated is it that your extremely important by 68% of Successful in work children have parents. Nearly half responded it is ( ) as a life Contribution to society important that their children con- goal? tribute to society and that they Correct Social inequalities work to correct social inequalities. Community leader 23% A national survey of high school seniors showed similar results. Having lots of money 18% Having a good marriage and family life and success at work were 0 1020304050 460 7080 90100 rated as most important by these Percent American teens.

12 Hawai'i Family Touchstones FINANCIAL SECURITY

p try .. Financial security is crucial to the well- being of Hawai'i's families. Financial security has many dimensions. Stable employment or prospects for steady business, among those who are self-employed, help secure income and allow families to plan for future needs that will lay claim on future income. Living costs determine how much of that income will be absorbed just "getting by." Beyond that, families need to build wealth to finance educational needs and retirement or to be prepared for medical expenses. Thus, financial security involves balancing income and living costs and being prepared for future needs. By several measures, the financial security of Hawai'i families has been challenged by shifting economic trends. More women participate in the workplace than thirty years ago, reflecting both the benefits of increased opportunity and the burden of rising living costs. But during the 1990s, Hawai'i's poor economic performance has diminished opportunities for second jobs and part-time employment. This has raised average working hours of employed persons. Similarly, Hawai'i's recession during the early 1990s caused the number of people living under federal poverty thresholds to increase. Economic recovery later in the decade has yet to contribute significantly to a reversal. Housing looms large in the financial security of Hawaii families, but while housing remains relatively expensive in Hawai'i, a soft real estate market has contributed to improved housing affordability. Since 1997, a decrease in Hawai'i's cost of living premi- um has accompanied Hawai'i's low inflation rate. Honolulu inflation is 2 percentage points below the national average in 1999. Meanwhile, dramatic changes to Hawai'i's retail industry have lowered prices and expanded the scope of merchandise offerings available to Hawai'i families. Thus, while some changes have made financial security more challenging to Hawai'i families, some recent changes have contributed to improynis

Paul H. Brewbaker Vice President and Chief Economist Bank of Hawaii

Hawai'i Family Touchstones Photo 0 Tami Dawson/Photo Resource Hawaii 13 Percent of workforce working more than 40 hours

The indicator People are working and 1995. In 1995, a quarter of the work- harder and longer hours to make ends force worked more than 40 hours, the meet. According to a national study, the majority of these having worked more State Data 30 average number of paid and unpaid than 49 hours per week. Nationally, hours for full- to half-time workers approximately 30% of the workforce 25 increased from 43.6 in 1977 to 47.1 hours worked more than 40 hours per week in in 1997. The increased time demands 1990 and 31.5% in 1995. While Hawai'i 20 placed on employees can result in remained below the national levels, the a) 15 reduced time with children and other state mirrored the national trend toward a family members. greater number of employees 'working 10 more than the 40-hour week. ComparisonThe percent of Hawai'i's 5 workforce working more than 40 hours per week increased by 7.8% between 1990 1990 1995

14 Hawai'i Family Touchstones Photo m Tami Dawson/Photo Resource Hawaii Percent of families and people living below the federal poverty level

The indicatorLiving in poverty can federal poverty level that year, 13.7% in have long-lasting negative consequences 1996, and 13.3% in 1997. Within that for children and families. Children raised same period, the percent of people in in families at or near the poverty level are Hawai'i living in poverty increased by more likely to do poorly in school and to over 40%. This translates to approximate- earn less and experience greater unem- ly 164,900 Hawai'i residents living in ployment as adults. Early sexual activity poverty by 1997, a number close to the and teen pregnancy are more common in population of Maui and Kaua'i counties poor than in non-poor teens. Lack of ade- combined. Because Hawai'i's cost of liv- quate nutrition and limited access to pre- ing is so high, these federal thresholds ventive and quality health care explain underestimate the true extent of poverty why poor families are more likely to expe- in the state. Families and rience poor health. Poor families also typi- people in cally live in communities with higher poverty: 1989 rates of substance use and crime. State Data The federal poverty level estimates Percent of People In Poverty 10 the pre-tax income needed for households County 1989 1995 of various sizes to meet basic living 1997 expenses, such as food, clothing, housing, State 8.3 9.9 13.9 and utilities. In 1997 the federal poverty O'ahu 7.5 9.1 N/A level for a family of four was $16,400. Hawaii 14.2 15.5 N/A Kauai 7.2 ComparisonNationally, the percent of 9.9 N/A people in poverty has remained stable Maui 7.9 9.1 N/A since 1995 with 13.8% living below the Families People

Hawai'i Family Touchstones 15 Housing Affordability Index Housing The indicatorOwning their home is a condo. An index of 100 indicates a bal- Affordability ance between a middle income family's Index dream for many families in Hawai'i. Affordable housing is important for fami- ability to make mortgage payments and State Data ly stability and financial security. It is also the cost of a home. Higher indexes sug- 140 vital to healthy communities and local gest housing is more affordable. economies. During the late 1980s, the cost 120 ---123.2 of housing in Hawai'i increased. During Comparison Housing has become the 1990s, a sluggish local economy has steadily more affordable since 1990, when 100 ,,,-:".108.0 driven the cost of housing downward. In the Housing Affordability Index was 78.5. 80 ir, addition, there have been a number of In 1995 the index was 108.0 and in 1997 it 78.5 efforts to develop and offer residents was 123.2. On the average, homes have 60 affordable homes. similarly become more affordable 40 The Housing Affordability Index pre- throughout the nation, with some region- sented here measures the ability of a mid- al differences. However, housing prices in 20 dle income family to pay the monthly Hawaii remain among the highest in the 0 mortgage for a single-family home or nation. 1990 1995 1997

16 Hawai'i Family Touchstones Photo 0 Canon USA HEALTH AND SAFETY

Hawai'i is widely referred to as "The Health State." In fact, the State of Hawai'i has health and safety statistics in some areas that are among the best in the nation:

High Rates of Health Insurance Coverage: The proportion of our population with health insurance is over 90%, which is much higher than the national average. Longevity: In Hawai'i, the average lifespan is 76 years for men and 82 years for women. This compares favorably to the national averages of 72 years for men and 79 years for women. Good Maternal and Child Health Statistics: Hawai'i's infant mortality rate of 5.5 per 1000 births is the seventh best in the nation and has already reached the Healthy People 2000 objectives. Low Rates of Violent Crime: Hawai'i ranks 39th among states for rate of violent crime. The 1996 Hawai'i rate was 281 as compared to the U.S. rate of 634 violent crimes per 100,000 population.

However, our community faces important challenges. There are differences in health status among different ethnic groups, with some groups having more prevalent chronic health problems (for example, Native Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian people). Also, unhealthy and risk-taking behaviors continue to be a problem among our state's youth: 21% of middle school students and 14% of high school students reported recently carrying weapons; 20% of middle school students and 29% of high school students reported recently smoking cigarettes; and 40% of high school students reported a history of sexual intercourse (Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 1997). The information contained in this section indicates a modest downward trend in the number of adults in our state who smoke cigarettes and indulge in binge drinking and an increase in the number of adults who participate in regular physical activity. However, there is an increased proportion of adults who report chronic diseases that may benefit from good nutrition and improvements in lifestyle choices (more exercise, less cigarette smoking and axe c1iA1, consumption).

Nancy L. Kuntz, M.D. Former Family Health Services Division Chief Hawai'i Department of Health

3EST COPY AVAILABLE Hawaii Family Touchstones Photo <0 Tami Dawson/Photo Resource Hawaii 17 Percent of adult population participating in regular physical activity

The indicator Regular physical activi- in regular physical activity are more like- ty refers to physical activity performed at ly to participate in healthy lifestyles, least three times per week for at least 20 such as practicing good nutrition and minutes each time. Its health benefits are avoiding substance abuse. These well documented and include reduced lifestyles tend to be passed on from one risk for cardiovascular and other dis- generation to the next. eases, weight control, reduced impacts of State Data chronic illness, and promotion of psycho- Comparison Between 1990 and 1996, 60 logical well-being. Families that engage there was a dramatic increase, nearly 50 43%, in the number of adults in Hawai'i who participated in regular physical 40 activity. This positive trend was present 4a. County 1990 1995 1996 30 for all counties, with Maui exhibiting the a) a. Oahu 38.3 N/A 51.8 greatest improvement. Kaua'i had the 20 highest percent of individuals participat- Hawaii 41.4 N/A 55.1 ing in regular physical activity. 10 Kauai 49.5 N/A 59.8

0 Maui 24.1 N/A 56.4 1990 1996

Percent of adults with health insurance coverage

The indicator Health insurance is nisms for families to enter public assis- important in ensuring that individuals tance programs. and families have access to needed medical treatment. Without insurance, preven- ComparisonThe percent of adults tive care and medical treatment may be with health insurance exhibited little delayed until a condition becomes serious change between 1995 and 1997. Each or life threatening. This inattention com- county saw a slight decrease in 1996, but pounds the original problem, may disrupt by 1997 the percent of adults with health employment, and increases eventual insurance neared the 1995 levels. Because costs. Health crisis and major medical health coverage is linked to employment State Data expenses are often the triggering mecha- and state-provided plans such as Med- 100 Quest, fluctuations in the economy may affect the number of people without 80 insurance. Nevertheless, Hawai'i contin- County 1995 1997 60 ues to have one of the highest health 2 Oahu 95.0 94.1 insurance coverage rates in the nation. a.40 Hawaii 92.3 91.7 Nationally, approximately 88% of adults are covered by health insurance. 20 Kauai 91.6 91.7

0 Maui 93.4 93.0 1995 1997

18 Hawai'i Family Touchstones Percent of children without adult supervision following school

The indicatorWhen children are older teens. Over half of 6-9 Where else are alone without adult supervision, they year olds are in the care of the children are vulnerable to physical injury and parents and 22% attend after- following school? risky behaviors. Depending on age, school programs. The percent- State Data these may include activities such as age of children in the care of playing with matches, watching inap- parents increases with the propriate television programs, smok- older age groups, while the 6-9 years olds ing, drinking, sexual intimacies, and percentage in after-school pro- delinquency. Hawai'i has one of the grams drops. 10-14 years olds highest rates of working parents in the nation, and the after-school hours are often when children do not receive the 15-16 years olds care and guidance they require from adults. Children in self-care 20 40 60 80 100 Age group Percent Percent ComparisonTwo percent of 6-9 year 6-9 year olds 2 1 olds and 8% of 10-14 year olds are in At home At home withWith anotherAfter-school Other** self-care following school. Not surpris- 10-14 years olds 8 with parentsgrandparents reaftive program ingly, this number increases to 13% with 15-16 years olds 13 Another relative includes adult as well as non-adult relatives. ** Other includes home-based child care, child care center, and other situations.

Percent of adults reporting chronic health conditions: Arthritis/rheumatism, asthma, diabetes, hypertension

The indicatorChronic health condi- one of the chronic conditions assessed by tions are illnesses that are long-term in the present indicator increased by 14% nature, do not resolve spontaneously, and from 1990 to 1997. The Big Island had the are rarely completely cured. These condi- State Data largest increase, while Maui had a slight 30 tions, which are more prevalent during decrease during the same period. the later years of life, often require a high 25 level of medical care, support and assistance from others, and substantial med- 20 1990 1995 a) ical expenses. Chronic conditions can cre- County 1997 215 at ate or add to family stress, require accom- Oahu 20.7 N/A 24.9 a. modations in daily living, and cause fam- 10 23.1 N/A 28.5 ily members to miss school or work. Hawaii Kauag 26.6 N/A 27.1 5 ComparisonIn Hawai'i, the percent Maui 25.6 N/A 24.8 of adults who reported having at least 1990 1997

Hawai'i Family Touchstones 19 Substance use among adults

Percent of adults who are cigarette Second-hand smoke from cigarettes can smokers also have negative effects on children, affecting their health and increasing their The indicator Smoking-related ill- risk for smoking. nesses such as cancer and heart disease are the most common causes of death in ComparisonThere was a 15.2% drop the U.S. Smoking-related illnesses cost the from 1990 to 1995 in the number of nation more than $100 billion each year in adults in Hawai'i who reported smoking Cigarette medical expenditures and indirect costs. cigarettes, but the percent increased Smokers Women who smoke during pregnancy slightly in the following 2 years. O'ahu can harm their developing babies. State Data and Kaua'i counties followed the statewide pattern, while Maui and Hawai'i showed a continuing decrease in smokers between 1990 and 1997. Kaua'i County 1990 1995 1997 had the highest rate of cigarette smokers. Oahu 20.1 16.8 18.3 The percent of smokers in Hawai'i was Hawaii 22.6 21.1 18.0 well below the national average in 1995 Kauai 26.0 22.0 22.8 and 1997. Nationally, 22.4% of adults reported smoking in 1995 and 23.2% in Maui 24.8 20.6 19.9 1997.

Percent of adults reporting binge Besides its health effects, binge drinking is drinking often the precursor of accidents, family violence, and harmful actions against oth- The indicator Binge drinking is ers in the community. defined as having five or more drinks on Binge the same occasion at least once in the past Drinkers ComparisonThe percent of adults in month. It can lead to heavier drinking Hawai'i reporting binge drinking and/or other forms of substance abuse. State Data decreased from 1990 to 1995, but increased in 1997, although not to the 1990 level. The same pattern was observed in all counties, except Kaua'i. County 1990 1995 1997 The Garden Isle had the highest rate of Oahu 18.1 12.7 15.2 binge drinkers in 1990, but the lowest rate Hawaii 23.3 9.7 16.5 in the state in 1997. More men than Kauai 25.7 15.1 14.8 women are binge drinkers both in Hawai'i and nationally. Maui 23.6 10.8 20.0

2 2 20 Hawai'i Family Touchstones EDUCATION AND ACHIEVEMENT

The annual Gallup Poll on education clearly shows that the people who know most about the schools are the ones most positive about them. The increase in volunteerism and the steady rate of average daily attendance are indicative of the level of support of parents for the education of their children. School volunteers create at least three positive effects: improved achievement for the individual child of the volunteers, extra help for overloaded teachers, and a positive impact on community perception of the schools. The high school completion rate in the U.S. increased dramatically from under 50% in the 1940s to 85%in 1980 and has hovered at that level ever since. The completion rate for Hawai'i is slightly below the national average. States with large numbers of students of color, such as California with a rate of 79%, tend to have lower rates because the completion rates for students of color is relatively low. The high school completion rate in some states is as high as 96%, and these states have a clear advantage competing for businesses that require high levels of education and pay higher salaries. The percentage of individuals completing bachelor's degrees should be increasing since, nationwide, the percentage of young people attending college has increased over the last several years. Unfortunately, enrollment in the University of Hawai'i system has dramatically declined in recent years. Clearly, if the quality of life for Hawai'i families is to improve, we must encourage more of our students to complete high school and college. The downward trend in reading scores is alarming. Parent education programs and preschool programs must become more accessible, especially to low-income families. Class sizes in early grades must be small, and all parents must be encouraged to read with their children. The education of Hawai'i's children is a responsibility we all must share.

Randy Hitz Dean, College of Education University of Hawai'i at Manoa

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Hawai'i Family Touchstones Photo © Tami Dawson/Photo Resource Hawaii 21 Average daily school attendance

The indicator Strong families recog- make sure their children are awakened, nize the importance of regular school fed, dressed, and ready for the start of the attendance for children's learning and school day. Youth who do not attend academic success. They possess both the school regularly are more likely to occupy State Data commitment and internal organization to their time with delinquent activity. They 100 tend to do poorly in school and are more likely to drop out of school. 80 County 1989-901994-951996-97 Comparison Overall, attendance for a)60 Oahu 93.5 93.2 93.3 all grades remained constant between a)40 1990and 1997. Hawai'i County exhibited a. Hawai'l 91.3 91.6 92.0 a slight increase in attendance during this 20 Kauai 94.2 95.1 93.7 period and Kaua'i County had a minor 0 Maui 92.5 92.2 92.3 decrease. 1989-90 1994-95 1996-97

Percent of youth whose reading scores are average or above on the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT)

The indicatorThe ability to read is ity to secure well-paying jobs. While stan- critical for academic success and lifelong dardized tests are not the only way to learning. Poor readers are more likely to assess learning, the widely known State Data drop out of school, which limits their abil- Stanford Achievement Test is used here as 100 a measure of reading achievement.

80 ComparisonThe percent of Hawai'i .5 60 County 1989-901994-95 1996-97 students scoring average or above on the Oahu 76.0 71.1 68.8 reading SAT has declined significantly and et' 40 steadilysince 1990, with little variation Hawaii 77.6 70.2 68.4 between counties. Hawai'i scores are much 20 Kausei 77.4 71.0 68.5 lower than the national norm, which is 77% 0 Maui 76.1 67.5 67.4 for the average and above level. 1989-90 1994-95 1996-97

22 Hawai'i Family Touchstones Educational level

The indicator Educational attainment 23.9% in 1997. O'ahu had the highest con- can affect a person's ability to adequately centration of adults with at least a bache- support a family. There is growing con- lor's degree and Kaua'i had the lowest. High School cern that low wage workers are not able Graduates to keep their families safely above the poverty level. In 1997, the national aver- State Data age income for someone without a high Percent of people 25 and over who 100 school diploma was $16,124. That income are high school graduates did not increase significantly for those 80 with a high school diploma whose income County 1990 1995 1997 60 averaged $22,895. A bachelor's degree, on Oahu 81.2 N/A N/A et 40 the other hand, appears to significantly Hawai'i 77.7 N/A N/A increase a person's earning potential. The 20 average income for a college graduate Kauai 73.1 N/A N/A was $40,478. Maui 77.0 N/A N/A 0 1990 1995 1997 Comparison Locally, the percent of adults who are high school graduates Bachelor's increased slightly between 1990 and 1997 Degree or Higher to 83.7%. County data, which were available only for 1990, show that O'ahu had State Data the highest percentage of high school Percent of people 25 and over who graduates and Kaua'i the lowest. In 1997, have a bachelor's degree or higher Hawai'i did a little better than the rest of the nation. Nationally, 82.1% of adults County 1990 1995 1997 reported completing high school. Oahu 24.6 N/A N/A Statewide, the percent of adults who had Hawaii 18.5 N/A N/A a bachelor's degree or higher was just under the national average, which was Kauai 16.3 N/A N/A Maui 17.8 N/A N/A

Photo ei Tarni Dawson/Photo Resource Hawaii Hawai'i Family Touchstones 25 23 Rate of regular school volunteers per 100 students

The indicatorThe contributions and strong bonds between the school and involvement of adult volunteers in school community, increasing school resources. activities are critical to a successful learn- Family involvement in school activities ing environment for students. Whether has been shown to promote better educa- they are family of students or community tional outcomes for children and youth. members, school volunteers model the importance of giving back to the commu- Comparison Between 1995 and 1997 State Data nity. Adult volunteers also help build the statewide school volunteer rate nearly 10 doubled. Maui and Kaua'i counties had the highest rate of regular school volunteers in 1997. Note that data are based on County 1989-901994-951996-97 school reports and may reflect variability Oahu N/A N/A 6.8 in reporting and duplication of volunteer counts. Hawaii N/A N/A 4.0 Kaua li N/A N/A 14.1 Maui N/A N/A 15.5 1994-95 1996-97

24 Hawai'i Family Touchstones 11=1111111111='' SOCIAL CONDITIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Imagine a society without families. Difficult isn't it? Families are the fundamental node of the intricate web of relationships that we call society. Yet because of our hectic schedules, we don't often take the time to think about and truly appreciate the role that families play as the building blocks of our community. From basic nurturing and subsistence to the transmission of the beliefs and values that bind us together as a society, families play a vital role in the well being of their members and the larger community. Several years ago at the Aloha United Way, we started to question our assumptions about how best to achieve our vision of a more caring and compassionate society for all. We are very familiar with what happens when things don't work:

when families don't have the capacity to provide the support, nurturing, and guidance that we all need; when, in turn, individual family members are unable to lead productive and fulfilling lives; and when neither the desire nor the skills for civic leadership arise.

Many of the programs supported by the community through charitable giving and tax dollars are geared to address the negative results that stem from these situations. We are not as clear on how best to act on the idea that strengthening families can lead to the prevention of many of these social ills. There are many wonderful experiments in our community that start with the belief that in the long term individuals will thrive in an environment where families are supported and community is strong. Part of the challenge is that experiments to strengthen families cannot be effective if they are judged by the criteria that we apply to current programs. Categorical programs operate best and are most highly rewarded when they can clearly and narrowly define a specific tar- get group. While families share in common their fundamental role in society, they are increasingly diverse in their composition and often elude a clear categorical definition. All we can really prescribe today is that every family has strengths that can be identified, and any strategy that works must begin by building on these strengths. The indicators in this section are an attempt to quantify some of the kinds of behaviors that reflect the strengths that we might build upon to help strengthen families and strengthen communities at the same time.

Irving Lauber President Aloha United Way 27

Hawai'i Family Touchstones Photo 0 Tami Dawson/Photo Resource Hawaii 25 Percent of adults who feel they can rely on another person in their community for help

The indicatorWhen people need out a support system tend to be isolated help, they generally turn first to their and more vulnerable when problems families. Having someone outside of the occur. family in time of need extends the circle of support. This promotes a sense of secu- Comparison In a survey of Hawai'i rity and feelings of reciprocity, which residents, 83% of adults said they can rely build social networks and contribute to State Data on another person in their community, the health of a community. Families with- outside-their family, for help in time of need. That number was higher for neighbor island residents, where 90% indicated they can rely on another person for help. Don't Is there someone in your know 2% community, outside of your family, that you feel you can rely on in time of need?

Percent of adults who feel safe in their neighborhood

The indicatorThe perception of a Comparison When asked if there is

safe neighborhood affects a family's daily an area near their home where they . behavior: whether children are allowed would be afraid to walk alone at night, out to play, the activities undertaken and 66% of Hawai'i residents surveyed said when by family members in areas near no, indicating they feel safe in their the home, and the spirit of "aloha" that is neighborhoods. However, 31% reported extended to others in the community. they did not feel safe in their neighbor- State Data Families in Hawai'i value and want their hoods. The perceptions of people in children to grow up in safe and caring Hawai'i and on the U.S. mainland are communities. similar, with slightly more of the former feeling safe. In a recent national survey that asked the same question, 61% of adults responded no, indicating they feel Is there an area near safe in their neighborhoods. Don't where you live, that you know are afraid to walk alone 3% at night?

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28 26 Hawai'i Family Touchstones Percent of eligible voters who voted in gubernatorial elections

The indicator Voting is one of the Island and Maui. The percentage most important rights available to citizens remained the same for O'ahu and in a democratic society. Exercising the increased slightly for Kaua'i. Hawai'i's right to vote is an expression of civic com- voter turnout remains well above nation- mitment and a sign of a healthy society. al levels. In the 1994 Federal election only When parents vote and participate in 38.8% of the national voting-age popula- improving the conditions of their commu- tion voted. nity and state, they teach their children to be good citizens and ensure a better quali- Eligible Voters ty of life for future generations. Voting Percent of registered voters who State Data ComparisonThe percent of eligible voted in gubernatorial elections 100 voters, resident citizens 18 years and older, who voted in the 1990 and 1994 County 1990 1994 80 gubernatorial elections in Hawai'i State 78 77 60 decreased slightly. The comparable county Oahu 77 77 2 data are not available. However, the per- Hawaii 80 o.40 cent of registered voters who cast their 77 ballots for the same elections also Kauai 80 81 20 decreased statewide as it did on the Big Maui 80 76 0 1990 1994

Funding priorities StateData The indicatorHow money is used is If you were Spend the same amount on... Increase spending for... a good indicator of one's values. Identical making up Improving public sums can be used in different communi- the state education 9% U 87% ties to achieve different results. How budget this Supporting children, 19% 75% would Hawai'i's families like their tax year would youth, elders and families dollars to be used? Given the state's stag- you...spend Developing the economy 23% nant economy over the past decade and the same the difficulty in meeting the many amount... Reducing crime 21% 69% increase requests for funds, knowing the priorities Improving health care 28% 67% of Hawai'i's families can guide the policy spending for... Protecting the 42% and budget decisions made by policy- environment makers. Improving 46% transportation & roads ComparisonIn a survey of Hawai'i's 100 8060 4020 0 20406080 100 families, the top two areas for increased Percent state funding were improving public education (87%) and supporting children, youth, elders, and families (75%). Both of these are "family-related" issues. Among Of these, Improving public the seven categories where funds could be which do you education expended, the top three priorities for fam- consider Reducing crime ilies were improving public education, your Supporting children, reducing crime, and supporting children, top three youth, elders and families youth, elders, and families. Improving priorities? Improving health care transportation received the lowest priori- ty rating. Developing the economy Protecting the environment Improving transportation 0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

BEST COPY AVAILABLE Hawai'i Family Touchstones 27 Percent of adults who regularly attend religious services

The indicator Research has shown gious service is not synonymous with that one of the qualities shared by strong spirituality and self reports of religious families is the belief in a greater good or activities tend to be higher than actual power in life. Religious faith assists fami- behaviors. Nevertheless, the present indi- lies to cope with, rather than be devastat- cator provides good estimates for a quali- ed by, the stresses and crisis of life. It aids ty that is important but difficult to assess. in recovery from serious illness, promotes emotional tranquility, and protects Comparison Thirty-six percent of State Data against psychological isolation. It is Hawai'i residents surveyed said they Don't important to note that attendance at reli- attended religious services weekly and Know/ 14% reported they attended at least Refused 2% monthly. Weekly attendance at religious services is higher in Hawai'i than nation- On average, how often ally. In a national survey, 25% of do you attend religious Americans indicated they attended reli- services? gious services weekly, while 22% said they attended monthly.

Percent of adults who volunteer their time to church, charity, or community groups

The indicatorWhen families volun- ComparisonAmong the Hawai'i resi- teer time to church, charity, or communi- dents surveyed, 59% indicated they vol- ty groups, it is evidence that they are unteer time to church, charity, or commu- engaged in civic life and contributing to nity groups. This is slightly higher than its vitality. Volunteerism also provides the 55% rate that was reported in a opportunities for parents to model quali- national survey. Forty-one percent of ties such as social responsibility that they Hawai'i volunteers contributed their time wish to instill in children. As Ralph 13 or more times per year. Many of Waldo Emerson once observed: "It is one Hawai'i's families contribute to charities How many times per of the beautiful compensations of this life in other ways. A recent study conducted year have you done that no one can sincerely try to help by the Hawai'i Community Foundation any volunteer work another without helping himself." found that 88% of households in Hawai'i for a church, charity contribute financially to charitable organi- or community group? zations, with nearly half of these households also giving goods and time in addi- State Data tion to their money. 50

30 In the past year, have you done any volunteer 20 work for any church, charity, or community 10 group? 0 1-2 3-6 7-12 13+ times times times times

orl

28 Hawai'i Family Touchion es FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

The quality of family life in Hawai'i is reflected in the interactions and relationships of family members. Members of strong families are committed and supportive. They promote each other's welfare and happiness. They spend time doing things together eating, working, and playing together. They communicate and express appreciation and affection. They share values and beliefs. And they are able to cope with stress in con- structive, as opposed to destructive, ways. Thus, family relationships are an important measure of family strength and wellness. This section of Family Touchstones focuses on measurable indicators of family interactions and relationships that may be interpreted in terms of family strength, well- being, and quality of life. Members of families in Hawai'i were surveyed on how often they eat meals together, how often they spend time together doing fun things, how often children are in contact with members of the extended family (grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc.), and how regularly they engage in cultural practices or traditions. Finally, data on family violence (such as child or elder abuse and neglect) in Hawai'i are indicative of how families deal and cope with stress and conflict. This information about family relationships can help us see where Hawai'i's families are strong and healthy and where they may need some strengthening.

Dana H. Davidson, Ph.D., Professor of Family Resources University of Hawai'i at Manoa

John W. Engel, Ph.D., Professor of Family Resources University of Hawai'i at Manoa

-s>

Hawai'i Family Touchstones Photo © Tami Dawson/Photo Resource Hawaii 29 Percent of families eating together every day or most of the time

The indicatorEating together on a ing to family discussions, young children regular basis provides an opportunity for also gain and practice new language skills. family communication. Family members can talk about their day at home, work, or ComparisonIn a survey of Hawai'i school, share concerns and good news, residents, nearly half indicated their fami- and coordinate plans for upcoming days. ly eats together every night of the week. Giving thanks at meal times reinforces Another 26% said their family eats togeth- spiritual beliefs. Regular meal times pro- er 5 to 6 nights per week. The average State Data vide a sense of routine that is comforting number of nights Hawai'i families eat for children. By listening to and contribut- together is 5.2. In a national survey, adults with children under 18 years old were similarly asked how many nights per week their family eats dinner together at How many nights a home. Thirty-seven percent said they eat week out of seven dinner together at home every night, and days does your family 35% said they have dinner together 5 to 6 eat together? nights out of the week.

Number of times per week children are in contact with an extended family member

The indicatorGrandparents, aunties, to their children. Close extended family uncles, cousins, and other relatives ties tend to be preserved across successive expand children's social worlds. The generations. extended family network provides love, guidance, role models, companionship, Comparison Thirty-nine percent of support, and a sense of identity for chil- Hawai'i residents surveyed indicated their dren. Extended family networks also pro- children see or talk to grandparents 1 to 3 vide support and companionship to par- times per week, 44% said their children ents. A strong family network can are in contact with aunties and uncles 1 to enhance parents' well-being and enable 3 times per week, and 37% said their chil- them to be more attentive and responsive dren are in contact with cousins that often. Hawaiian and Filipino children State Data appear to have more frequent contact with extended family. Compared to the mean How many times per Grandparents of 3.4 across all ethnicities, Hawaiian chil- week do your children see grandparents 4.4 times per week, dren see or talk to... and Filipino children 3.9 times per week. Aunt les/Uncles Hawaiian children see aunties and uncles an average of 4.8 times per week and Filipino children 3.3 times per week, while Cousins the average across ethnicities is 2.8.

20 40 60 80 100 Percent EINE none 1-3x/wk 4 -6x/wk 7 +x/wk

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30 Hawai'i Family Touchstones Percent of families regularly spending time together doing fun things

The indicatorShared "quality time" doing fun things such as recreational supports family members' health, learn- activities, sports, going to the movies or ing, and sense of solidarity. Enjoyable going to cultural events. Ten percent leisure activities reduce stress and con- reported engaging in such activities daily tribute to emotional and physical well- and 63% reported weekly family activi- being. Strong families enjoy each other's ties. Hawaiian and Caucasian families company and shared leisure time rein- appear to engage in such family activities forces positive family ties. Shared leisure with greater regularity than other ethnic activities provide opportunities to devel- groups, with 79% of families in each op cultural, artistic, or athletic skills, group reporting spending time together State Data depending on the kinds of activity a fami- doing fun things at least weekly. ly pursues. When busy families have little time to spend together, this quality time may become even more precious. Several/ Year How often does 4%._ ComparisonNearly three-quarters of your family do fun Hawai'i residents surveyed said their Ryarel things together 4% - family regularly spends time together like...? Never 2% '.

Percent of families regularly engaged in cultural practices

The indicatorA clear and positive itage. Seven percent said they do so daily ethnic and cultural identity is an impor- and another 11% said they do so on a tant component of psychological well- weekly basis. Hawaiian and Filipino fam- being, especially in today's multicultural ilies appear to engage in cultural practices society. A strong ethnic identity is associat- with greater regularity than other ethnic ed with healthy self-esteem and resistance groups. Eight percent of Hawaiian fami- to negative stereotypes. Maintaining cultur- lies reported engaging in cultural activi- al traditions makes family members aware ties daily and another 15% on a weekly of their shared history and values. By pre- basis. Eleven percent of Filipino families serving their traditions, families add to the reported engaging in cultural activities richness and diversity of contemporary daily and another 16% on a weekly basis. State Data society and foster respect and appreciation for the cultural practices of others.

ComparisonEighteen percent of How often does your Hawai'i residents surveyed indicated family engage in their family regularly engages in cultural cultural practices or practices or activities of their family's her- activities of your family's heritage? Don't Weekly Know/ 11% Refused 2% Daily 7%

Hawai'i Family Touchstones 31 Family violence

The indicator In addition to the dev- women, and the elderly. The elderly are astating short-term effects, family vio- especially vulnerable because of their lence presents continued dangers to fami- social isolation. Unlike children who are Child abuse and lies and society by perpetuating cycles of required to attend school and therefore neglect per 1,000 intergenerational violence, substance come into contact with outsiders, many children under 18 abuse, and other criminal activity. Family elderly people live alone or interact pri- State Data violence primarily affects children, marily with family members, seeing few 10 outsiders. This isolation can both increase the risk of maltreatment and make identi- 8 8.13 fication of that maltreatment more diffi- s 6 County 1990 1995 1997 cult. Victims of family violence and 03 neglect often require lengthy and costly cc Oahu 7.17 6.04 5.56 4 Hawaii 4.49 13.10 20.40 treatment to regain physical, emotional, and mental health. Domestic violence Kauai 14.77 9.82 5.96 costs Americans approximately $100 bil- Maui 6.44 11.22 14.87 lion per year in treatment and law 1990 1995 1997 enforcement costs. Number of Comparison protective orders The rate of confirmed child abuse and neglect cases decreased State Data slightly between 1990 and 1995, and then 3000 increased again in 1997. At the county 2500 level, this rate increased significantly in Hawai'i and Maui counties, with Kaua'i 2000 County 1994-95 1996-97 seeing a notable decrease. Nationally, in 1500 Oahu 1,658 1,590 1996, approximately 970,000 children 1000 Hawaii 785 801 younger than 18 years of age were found Kauai 95 99 to be victims of maltreatment, reflecting a 500 rate of 15 victims per 1,000 children. Maui 390 369 0 National victim rates, however, are influ- 1994-95 1996-97 enced by varying state laws relating to Elder abuse and neglect case classifications (see Technical Notes). per 1,000 Individuals 60 Between the 1994-95 and 1996-97 fis- years and older cal years, the number of protective orders filed in Family Court dropped slightly, State Data with only very minor increases in Hawai'i 2.0 and Kaua'i counties. The rate of confirmed elder abuse 1.5 and neglect cases decreased by nearly a County 1990 1995 1997 half between 1990 and 1997, with only the mai 1:0 Oahu 1.2 0.6 0.6 county of Maui exhibiting an increase. Hawaii 4.0 1.6 1.6 0.5 Kauai 1.1 0.3 0.4

0.0 Maui 0.5 0.4 1.2 1990 1995 1997

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32 Hawai'i Family touchstones DATA SOURCES AND TECHNICAL NOTES

Indicator Data sources and notes

Portrait of Hawai`i's Families

Mean age at first marriage Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Vital Statistics. 1990 national data on mean age from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Health Statistics, Month Vital Statistics Report, Vol. 43, No. 12(S), 1995.

Percent of marriages involving Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Vital Statistics. Data based on bride's bride and groom of different resident status, where ethnicity category was known and categories were different. National data from ethnicity U.S. Bureau of the Census, Current Population Reports, Series P20-509, Household and Family Characteristics: March 1997, and 1990 Census of Population, CP-3-6. CPS data subject to sampling error. National data reflect all interracial married couples with at least one spouse of White or Black race, including "White /other race" and "Black/other race" couples with "Other race" meaning "any race other than White or Black, such as American Indian, Japanese, Chinese, etc."

Percent of families with more than Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Hawai'i Health Survey. Survey data are two generations in household unweighted. 1990 data collected through household interview; 1997 data collected through telephone interview.

Average number of people Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Hawai'i Health Survey. Survey data are per household unweighted. 1990 data collected through household interview; 1997 data collected through telephone interview. National data from U.S. Bureau of the Census, Current Population Reports, Series P20-509, Household and Family Characteristics: March 1997. Current Population Survey (CPS) data subject to sampling error.

Rate of divorce and annulments Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Vital Statistics. Rate of divorce and per 1,000 residents annulments represents the number of divorces and annulments of Hawai'i resident wives per 1,000 resident population. National rate from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Health Statistics, Month Vital Statistics Report, Vol. 45, No. 12.

Percent of births with all three Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Vital Statistics. Data represent the number of risk factors live first births with all 3 risk factors divided by the number of live first births. National comparison from The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Kids Count Data Book, State Profiles of Child Well-being, 1993.

Greatest challenges facing families See Market Trends Pacific, Inc. Survey Methodology. in Hawai'i

Goals, wishes, and dreams for See Market Trends Pacific, Inc. Survey Methodology. National survey data from The Roper Center, The children Public Perspective, How Are We Doing? Leading Social Indicators Tell a Complex Story, Vol. 8, No. 6 (Primary source: Trends in the Well-Being of America's Children and Youth: 1995; prepared for the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics by Child Trends, Inc., and by Donald J. Hernandez, U.S. Census Bureau).

Financial Security

Percent of workforce working moreU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Geographic Profile of Employment and Unemployment, Table 18. than 40 hours National study referred to here from The Families and Work Institute, The 1997 National Study of the Changing Workforce, 1998.

Percent of families and people 1989 data from U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990 Census of Population, Social and Economic living below the federal Characteristics; 1995 and 1997 data from March 1998, 1997, and 1996 Current Population Survey. CPS poverty level data based on small sample and subject to sampling variation.

Hawai'i Family Touchstohes 33 Housing Affordability Index Housing Affordability Index calculated by Bank of Hawaii, Economics Department. The index is based on statewide single-family and condominium mean sales prices.

Health and Safety

Percent of adult population partici-Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Behavioral Risk Factor Survey. pating in regular physical activity

Percent of adults with health Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. insurance The denominator excludes those who answered either "Don't know" or "Refused." Kaua'i County includes Kaua'i and Niihau; Maui County includes Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. National data from US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Percent of children without adult Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Hawai'i Health Survey, 1997. Survey data supervision following school weighted. Totals may not sum to 100 due to rounding and exclusion of "Don't know" and "Refused" categories in charts.

Percent of adults reporting chronic Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Hawai'i Health Survey. Survey data are health conditions: Arthritis/ unweighted. 1990 data collected through household interview; 1997 data collected through telephone rheumatism, asthma, diabetes, interview. hypertension

Substance use among adults Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Behavioral Risk Factor Survey. National data on smokers from: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Education and Achievement

Average daily school attendance Department of Education, Office of Evaluation and Planning, School Status and Improvement Reports. Local attendance data may be inconsistent. In many cases students are marked present for the entire day if they attend at least half of the school day. This is especially problematic at the high school level.

Percent of youth whose reading Department of Education, Office of Evaluation and Planning, School Status and Improvement Reports: scores are average or above on the National norms from Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, 1997 State of Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) Hawai'i Data Book, Table 3.17.

Educational level 1990 data from U.S. Bureau of Census, 1990 Census of Population and Housing, Social, Economic, and Housing Characteristics; 1995 and 1997 data from U.S. Bureau of Census, Current Population Survey. CPS data based on small sample and subject to sampling variation.

Rate of regular school volunteers Office of the Governor, State Volunteer Services, Annual Survey of Volunteers in Hawai'i State per 100 students Government. Regular volunteer defined as "any person engaged in specific voluntary service activities on an ongoing or continuous basis without receipt of any compensation, except meals, temporary lodg- ing, transportation reimbursement, and mileage." Examples of school volunteers include board members, tutors, clerk typists.

Social Conditions & Community Engagement

Percent of adults who feel they canSee Market Trends Pacific, Inc. Survey Methodology. rely on another person in their community for help

34 Hawai'i Fan lily Touchstones 36 Percent of adults who feel safe in See Market Trends Pacific, Inc. Survey Methodology. National survey data from The Roper Center for their neighborhood Public Opinion Research. Survey conducted by the Gallup Organization for Cable News Network and U.S.A. Today, August 22, 1997August 25, 1997.

Percent of eligible voters who State of Hawai'i, Office of Elections, Election Registration and Turnout Statistics, Results of Votes Cast, voted in gubernatorial elections 1959-Present; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, 1997 State of Hawai'i Data Book and 1991 State of Hawai'i Data Book. For state data, eligible voters represents the population 18 years and over less nonresident armed forces and dependents, aliens, and other ineligible adult civil- ians. National data from Federal Election Commission.

Funding priorities See Market Trends Pacific, Inc. Survey Methodology.

Percent of adults who regularly See Market Trends Pacific, Inc. Survey Methodology. National survey data from The Roper Center, The attend religious services Public Perspective, How Are We Doing? Leading Social Indicators Tell a Complex Story, Vol. 8, No. 6. Survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Center, 1996.

Percent of adults who volunteer See Market Trends Pacific, Inc. Survey Methodology National survey data from The Roper Center for their time to church, charity or Public Opinion Research. Survey conducted by ABC News and the Washington Post, April 21, 1997 community groups April 24, 1997. Reference to other types of charitable contributions from the Hawai'i Community Foundation, Hawai'i's Charitable Giving, June 1999.

Family Relationships

Percent of families eating one See Market Trends Pacific, Inc. Survey Methodology. National survey data from The Roper Center for meal together every day or most Public Opinion Research. Survey conducted by the Gallup Organization for Cable News Network and of the time U.S.A. Today, February 24, 1997February 26, 1997.

Number of times per week childrenSee Market Trends Pacific, Inc. Survey Methodology. are in contact with an extended family member

Percent of families regularly See Market Trends Pacific, Inc. Survey Methodology. spending time together doing fun things

Percent of families regularly See Market Trends Pacific, Inc. Survey Methodology. engaged in cultural practices

Family violence State child abuse and neglect data from Department of Human Services Planning Office. Rate based on number of confirmed cases per 1,000 children under age 18. National data from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Child Maltreatment 1996: Reports From the States to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, 1998. Varying state laws and policies relating to the classification of dispositions influence national victim rates. Some states clas- sify an allegation as substantiated or unsubstantiated. Others include the third category of indicated, meaning there is sufficient reason to suspect child maltreatment or the risk of maltreatment, but the allegation cannot be substantiated to the level of evidence required by state law. States with the 2-category system show a rate of 13 per 1,000 children, compared to 21 per 1,000 in states with the 3-category system.

Domestic violence protective orders data from the State of Hawai'i, The Judiciary, Annual Report 1994- 95, and Annual Report 1996-97. Data for the City and County of Honolulu include the island of O'ahu and the settlement of Kalawao on Moloka'i.

State elder abuse and neglect data from the Department of Human Services, Adult Community Care Services Branch. Rate based on number of confirmed cases per 1,000 individuals 60 years and over.

Reference to cost of domestic violence from the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, in Center on the Family, Facts About Child Abuse.

P.11 BEST COPY iiVAIIABLE Hawai'i Family Touchstones 3 35 MARKET TRENDS PACIFIC, INC.

Survey Methodology This study was accomplished by conducting telephone interviews among 429 randomly selected households in the State of Hawai'i. All interviews were conducted with adult residents, 18 years of age or older. Respondents were qualified based on children (under 18) in household (i.e., must have at least one child residing in household). Interviewing began on January 2 and was completed on January 25, 1999.

Sampling The sample of households called was generated at random using random digit dialing. The total sample of 429 residents yields a maximum sampling error of +1-4.73%. Subsamples (e.g., county of residence) will yield higher margins of error.

Survey Instrument The survey instrument was designed by Market Trends Pacific, Inc. (MTP) in conjunction with the client. Interviews lasted an average of 13 minutes.

Fielding Questionnaires All interviews were completed in the MTP Calling Center using CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing). The Calling Center houses thirteen (13) CATI-equipped, electronically monitored workstations that allow for constant monitoring by a supervisor. This ensures the highest quality control and confidence in survey data.

All interviews were conducted between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on weeknights, and 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on weekends. Interviews were also conducted during the daytime hours to ensure that the sample included residents who were unavailable during evening hours.

Data Processing Upon receipt of completed questionnaires, MTP edited, coded and entered all survey data. All data processing was performed using SPSSPC+, an in-house statistical software program. Cross-tabulation analyses of data believed to be important were performed (e.g., County, Household Size, etc.).

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